A site for residents of Prince's Ward, SE11, in the London Borough of Lambeth. Check for updates from your Labour Action Team's campaigning, local information, and meetings.

Wednesday, 23 October 2013

Residents say no to Fire Authority's dodgy developer

Residents of the Whitgift Estate and beyond have reacted angrily to the London Fire & Emergency Planning Authority (LFEPA)'s decision to continue working with their completely discredited development partner (Native Land) for their plans for the fire brigade sites behind 8 Albert Embankment.

In May the Planning Inspector threw out Native Land's scheme on the grounds it would unacceptably reduce light to Whitgift House and Whitgift Street. This was after a sustained campaign from local residents, supported by local councillors, Kate Hoey and Lambeth's Planning Committee.

The developer has ignored local concerns about light, local businesses, and affordable homes. It claimed that the development would not be viable if it included affordable housing, but has refused to reveal details of the secret deal cooked up between them and LFEPA, which is believed to involved a figure of £40 million.

Residents and councillors recently met with a fire brigade official to explain that the community has no confidence in Native Land and that they must employ a new development partner and start afresh if they want engagement from the local community.

LFEPA have ignored this demand - Native Land have put together a new proposal for the sites. They attempted to exhibit their new plans this evening - but local residents protested outside the sham consultation meeting.